Ward, who went over two years without a fight before March 2016 due to injuries and problems with his promoter, was well behind after the first six rounds – which included him hitting the canvas early on.

However, the 32-year-old worked his way back in to it against his more aggressive opponent, winning the final six rounds to pull off what had been an unlikely 114-113 victory on all three judges’ cards.

Ward was knocked down by a sharp right hand in the second round (Picture: Getty)

Sergey Kovalev career record

Fights: 32
Wins: 30
Draws: 1
Losses: 1
Wins by KO: 26

Kovalev’s promoter Kathy Duva signalled in the aftermath that the previously unbeaten fighter will activate the rematch clause in their contract after such a close match-up.

‘It was the wrong decision. It was quite clear it was the wrong decision. Although I think Ward would have a great career in the UFC,’she said after seeing Kovalev defeated for the first time.

‘I haven’t seen so much wrestling since Conor McGregor was fighting. Ridiculous.’

Kovalev himself was also disappointed with the result: ‘It was a fight of my life.